Assistant/Associate Professor in Experimental Physics – MacGillavry Fellowship

Experimental Physics, Quantum Materials, Soft Matter
Amsterdam, Netherlands
5 March 2026
Faculty Full Time Research

Job Description

Organization: University of Amsterdam – Faculty of Science, Institute of Physics (Van der Waals-Zeeman Institute)

The University of Amsterdam invites applications for the MacGillavry Fellowship in Experimental Physics, offering a tenure-track or senior academic position at the Van der Waals-Zeeman Institute (WZI). The fellowship supports outstanding women scientists in physics and aims to foster leadership and research excellence in experimental physics.

The successful candidate will establish an independent, internationally visible research program while contributing to teaching and mentoring within the Institute of Physics. The position will be embedded in one of three research clusters: Quantum Gases and Quantum Information (QGQI), Quantum Materials (QMat), or Soft Matter (SM).

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and lead an innovative research program in experimental physics aligned with one of the WZI research clusters.
  • Publish research findings in leading peer-reviewed journals and secure external research funding.
  • Build national and international collaborations and research networks.
  • Teach and develop courses within the BSc and MSc physics programs.
  • Supervise Bachelor, Master, and PhD students.
  • Engage in outreach, science communication, and institutional service activities.

Research Clusters

  • Quantum Gases and Quantum Information (QGQI): Research on ultracold atoms, trapped ions, quantum sensing, and quantum technologies.
  • Quantum Materials (QMat): Research on 2D materials, electronic and optical properties, metamaterials, and quantum technologies.
  • Soft Matter (SM): Research on colloids, polymers, complex fluids, living matter, metamaterials, and crystallization dynamics.

Required Qualifications

  • PhD in physics or a closely related discipline.
  • Strong research record with publications in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.
  • Demonstrated research independence and leadership potential.
  • Experience or interest in acquiring research funding.
  • Commitment to inclusive teaching and mentoring at undergraduate and graduate levels.
  • Excellent communication skills and strong command of English.
  • Willingness to learn the Dutch language.

Employment Conditions

  • Position at the level of Assistant or Associate Professor (with potential Full Professor appointment for exceptional candidates).
  • Salary range: €4,728 – €7,297 per month (Assistant Professor scale) or €6,512 – €8,673 per month (Associate Professor scale), based on full-time employment.
  • Additional benefits include 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension scheme, and 232 annual vacation hours.
  • Competitive research start-up package including a funded PhD position.
  • Hybrid working arrangements possible.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit:

  • Detailed CV including education and employment history.
  • Motivation letter (max. 1 page).
  • Research statement (max. 3 pages).
  • List of publications.
  • Teaching statement (max. 2 pages).
  • Contact details of three referees.

Applications must be submitted through the online application system before the deadline.

Location

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